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How to create a marketing plan for your small business - build a brand, target customers and set prices that will maximise sales.

The internet has transformed business marketing. No matter what you do, the internet is likely to be at the heart of your marketing strategy.

Social media is firmly established as a marketing tool. Having a presence opens up new lines of communication with existing and potential customers.

Good advertising puts the right marketing message in front of the right people at the right time, raising awareness of your business.

Customer care is at the heart of all successful companies. It can help you develop customer loyalty and improve relationships with your customers.

Sales bring in the money that enables your business to survive and grow. Your sales strategy will be driven by your sales objectives.

Market research exists to guide your business decisions by giving you insight into your market, competitors, products, marketing and your customers.

Exhibitions and events are valuable for businesses because they allow face-to-face communication and offer opportunities for networking.

Small Business Saturday unveils SmallBiz100

7 September 2021

Small Business Saturday has chosen 100 inspirational small businesses to mark the countdown to this year's campaign.

Entrepreneurs from across the UK are helping to kick off this year's Small Business Saturday, as the campaign gets underway with its one-hundred-day countdown.

Aiming to support, celebrate and send out a "big thank you" to small businesses for the important role they play within communities, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 SmallBiz100 is showcasing a diverse range of independent businesses from across the UK.

They include The York Gin Company (pictured) as well as Cornish sustainable surfboard company Kiri Surfboards, Wirral-based eco cleaning company Gleaming Gloss and Runach Arainn Glamping, offering luxury yurts on Scotland's Isle of Arran.

Now in its ninth year, Small Business Saturday UK will return on 4 December 2021, following its record-breaking success last year which saw an estimated £1.1 billion spent with small businesses across the UK on the day. A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday UK encourages consumers to shop small and support businesses in their communities. It was originally founded by American Express in the US in 2010.

On Small Business Saturday, shoppers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, both online and in bricks-and-mortar stores. Many businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions. Last year, the campaign was supported by over 90% of local councils.

This year, the SmallBiz100 features a range of environmentally-conscious small firms, which spotlights their role in tackling the climate crisis ahead of the UN Climate Summit COP26 in Glasgow this November.

Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: "Throughout the crisis we have been reminded of the special role that small firms play in local communities. The stories of this year's Small Biz 100 really bring this to life. As the UK recovers from the pandemic, small businesses still face considerable challenges to get back on their feet and it's important we continue to support them. We are excited to be kicking off this year's campaign to show our thanks to small businesses, and encouraging everyone to get behind us."

Emma Godivala, co-founder of the York Gin company, said: "We're very excited to be recognised in the Small Biz 100. We think it's vital to celebrate small businesses up and down the country, and the role they've played in all our communities. We really believe small businesses can lead the way to a sustainable recovery."

Written by Rachel Miller.

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